The number of layoffs from companies in recent times has been alarming and more are still happening. MarketForce has joined the line.
The Kenya-based digital retail B2B and end-to-end distribution platform, MarketForce, laid off a number of its staff in July and this development was noted to be a part of a reorganisation strategy in Kenya, one of its five markets which include Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.
Per TechCrunch, 54 from its 600 staff were laid off, meaning 9% of its workforce was subtracted from its team and these were in departments such as field sales, supply chain and customer experience departments.
“We were at the phase where we were focused on growth, but we’ve gotten to a point where we’re optimizing towards profitability,” said Tesh Mbaabu, CEO of Marketforce.
Despite the relevance of these relieved positions in the past, they are no longer indispensable to the company as it focuses on driving more revenue per merchant.
Via an email sent by the CEO to employees, he said the company’s decision was due to the global economic uncertainties and MarketForce wants to optimise the business for different growth metrics.
“Some roles in the Kenya market will become redundant, and new ones will emerge; all our other markets will not be impacted,” he said.
Marketforce plans to support affected employees in the following ways:
- Offer them counseling services on navigating change and managing anxiety during uncertain times
- Offer a training session on revamping their CV, optimising their LinkedIn profile and interview preparation techniques
- Partner with recruiters who will consider them for opportunities within other organisations that are looking to hire
- Offer a certificate of service and letter of recommendation as appropriate
- Pay them in lieu of notice in addition to a severance package of 15 days for every completed year of service and unutilised leave days
